Agrifood groups are claiming NI farms will lose nine out of 10 sheep and cattle if a net-zero Climate Bill is passed in NI.
The statistic came from an industry commissioned report by KPMG on the impacts of climate legislation on NI’s farm economy.
But the figures used to arrive at the estimate did not include farming subsidies, which make up around 87% of what farmers earn.
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Advertisements taken out in local newspapers used the stark statistic alongside claims Edwin Poots’ NI Climate Bill, in its current form, will lead to increased food imports, higher pricing and global emissions as well as thousands of job losses and business closures in town and communities.
It then goes on to ask that people contact their “MLA today to back meaningful amendments to the Climate Change Bill that are science-based”.
All amendments to Minister Poots’ Bill, which is soon due back before the Assembly, are expected to be published on Wednesday.
A social media post questioned the ad, saying: “Nobody’s removing 9 out of 10 cattle and sheep from farms, who is gaining from such widespread proliferation of false information.”
The Ulster Farmers’ Union, which is one of the groups named on the advertisement, said the ad was taken out as part of a joint media campaign and that they have received no ‘backlash’ in relation to the claims on their own platforms.
A Green Party NI spokesperson said: “The figures in the KPMG report are based on predicting the impact of ending all farm subsidies and grants, which account for almost 90% of farms’ incomes.
“But that is not what net-zero means. There have been no legislative proposals to cut subsidies or to mandate a reduction in herd numbers.
“In fact, the Green Party NI has secured majority support for our amendment to establish a Just Transition Fund for Agriculture, to ensure that farmers are financially supported as we move to net-zero.”
